Hepatitis B is sometimes misdiagnosed as Autoimmune Hepatitis

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is mostly an acute disease but in some patients, it may become a chronic infection. Acute infections generally don’t require treatment and resolve on their own. Chronic infections may require antiviral medications, injections or in rare cases a liver transplant if the liver is badly damaged. Hepatitis B vaccine is available. Diagnosis is via a blood test. Liver ultrasound or biopsy may be required to assess liver damage.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Jaundice, fatigue, rashes, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain in the right side, fever, sore joints

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

Further reference: